Collapsible and Selectively Compartmentalized Bag

ABSTRACT

A collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag is an apparatus that can be used to store a number of items and has collapsible compartments for enhanced organization. The apparatus includes a left collapsible dual compartment and a right collapsible dual compartment which both further include a lateral panel, a first pleated section, a second pleated section, and a divider section. The collapsible dual compartments are located opposite each other. The first and second pleated sections are hingedly and adjacently attached opposite to each other at the lateral panel. The first and second pleated sections are also hingedly attached to each other, opposite the lateral panel. The divider section is hingedly and adjacently connected to the central fold of the lateral panel and the hinged connection between the first and second pleated sections.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/900,485 filed on Nov. 6, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a bagging apparatus. More specifically, the present invention is a durable eco-friendly bagging apparatus with collapsible bottle inserts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After extensive research, Jute bags are discovered to be more durable than other kind of bag, and this material is not as easy to tear like plastic and paper. The Jute material is also good for the ecosystem and follows specific farming practices. Jute grows only in Bangladesh during the monsoon season, which translates to no extra water. The crop needed to manufacture Jute material requires very little/low pesticide and fertilizer. In addition, every ton of Jute produced absorbs 2.4 tons of CO2. Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to be made out of a durable Jute material.

A major benefit to the present invention being derived from the Jute fibre material is that it is recyclable and 100% biodegradable. Other benefits include a longer lifespan and amount of usage for the bagging device (typically more than five years). Jute bags are also stronger in that they are able to carry 30 to 75 pounds of weight (depending on size). The preferred Jute material can also provide protection from heat. Jute offers some ultraviolet protection and more insulation for cold items that would further benefit the user bagging groceries. Jute fiber is also more sanitary and naturally anti-bacterial, which is a major concern with plastic reusable bags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the collapsible receptacle opened with both of the dual compartments in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the collapsible receptacle with a portion of the front panel removed to show the inside of the collapsible receptacle as depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible receptacle opened with both of the dual compartments in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the collapsible receptacle opened with both of the dual compartments in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the collapsible receptacle opened with a portion of the front panel removed to show the inside of the collapsible receptacle as depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the collapsible receptacle in the fully folded and closed position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the collapsible receptacle with a portion of the front panel removed to show the inside of the collapsible receptacle as depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of either the front handle or the rear handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the present invention is a collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag that is typically used to carry groceries or other shopping items. The present invention allows a user to selectively sectionalize its internal volume so that bottled shopping items can be held in an upright position. The present invention mainly comprises a collapsible receptacle 1, which is used carry and sectionalize different shopping items. The collapsible receptacle 1 comprises a left collapsible dual compartment 4 and a right collapsible dual compartment 5, which can expand to hold bottled shopping items in the upright position or can collapse to create more room for other kinds of shopping items.

The left collapsible dual compartment 4 and the right collapsible dual compartment 5 are designed to easily convert from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and vice versa. The left collapsible dual compartment 4 and the right collapsible dual compartment 5 each comprise a lateral panel 6, a first pleated section 8, a second pleated section 9, and a divider section 10. The lateral panel 6 is used to form the left and right sides of the collapsible receptacle 1 and is used to form a portion of the walls for both compartments. The first pleated section 8 is a folded piece of material that is used to form the walls for one compartment. The second pleated section 9 is also a folded piece of material that is used to form the walls of the other compartment. The divider section 10 is a piece of material that is used to separate the first pleated section 8 and the second pleated section 9 from each other.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the following series of component connections allows the lateral panel 6, the first pleated section 8, the second pleated section 9, and the divider section 10 to move between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. The first pleated section 8 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the lateral panel 6. The second pleated section 9 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the lateral panel 6, opposite to the first pleated section 8. The first pleated section 8 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the second pleated section 9, opposite to the lateral panel 6. The arrangement of the lateral section, the first pleated section 8, and the second pleated section 9 form the outer confines of the dual compartment. The divider section 10 is used to separate the internal volume of those outer confines. Consequently, the divider section 10 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the hinged connection between the first pleated section 8 and the second pleated section 9. A central fold 7 of the lateral panel 6 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the divider section 10, opposite to the hinged connection between the first pleated section 8 and the second pleated section 9. The central fold 7 of the lateral panel 6 is not used to collapse the left collapsible dual compartment 4 or the right collapsible dual compartment 5 but is used to collapse the collapsible receptacle 1 itself.

The expanded configuration for either the left collapsible dual compartment 4 or the right collapsible dual compartment 5 positions the lateral panel 6, the first pleated section 8, the second pleated section 9, and divider section 10 in order to form the confines of each compartment, which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first pleated section 8 and the second pleated section 9 are each in a right-angle configuration so that the two flaps of each pleated section are at a right angle. The lateral panel 6 is in a straight configuration so that the opposing halves of the lateral panel 6 are parallel to each other. Finally, the divider section 10 is positioned perpendicular to the lateral panel 6 and is positioned in between the first pleated section 8 and the section pleated section. When the lateral panel 6, the first pleated section 8, the second pleated section 9, and divider section 10 are arranged into the expanded configuration, the left collapsible dual compartment 4 and the right collapsible dual compartment 5 forms two pairs of rectangular tubes such that these two pairs of rectangular tubes are positioned opposite from each other within the internal volume of the collapsible receptacle 1.

The collapsed configuration for either the left collapsible dual compartment 4 or the right collapsible dual compartment 5 positions the lateral panel 6, the first pleated section 8, the second pleated section 9, and divider section 10 in order to fatten the confines of each compartment, which is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The lateral panel 6 and the first pleated section 8 are each in the straight configuration, which allows the first pleated section 8 to be positioned adjacent and parallel to the lateral section. Consequently, the divider section 10 is positioned in between the first pleated section 8 and the lateral panel 6. The second pleated section 9 is in a folded configuration so that the two flaps of the second pleated section 9 are folded upon each other, which allows the second pleated section 9 to be positioned adjacent to the first pleated section 8, opposite to the lateral panel 6. When the lateral panel 6, the first pleated section 8, the second pleated section 9, and divider section 10 are arranged into the collapsed configuration, the left collapsible dual compartment 4 and the right collapsible dual compartment 5 are flattened against the sides of the collapsible receptacle 1, which allows the entire internal volume of the collapsible receptacle 1 to be used for carrying non-bottled shopping items.

The other sides of the collapsible receptacle 1 are arranged in a manner that allows the collapsible receptacle 1 to collapse into itself. The collapsible receptacle 1 further comprises a front panel 2, a rear panel 3, a foldable bottom panel, a left gusset 11, and a right gusset 12. The front panel 2 is used to form the front side of the collapsible receptacle 1 and prevents the contents of from falling out of the front of the collapsible receptacle 1. The hinged connection between the lateral panel 6 and the first pleated section 8 for the left collapsible dual compartment 4 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the front panel 2. In addition, the hinged connection between the lateral panel 6 and the first pleated section 8 for the right collapsible dual compartment 5 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the front panel 2, opposite to the left collapsible dual compartment 4. The connections between the front panel 2 and both the left collapsible dual compartment 4 and the right collapsible dual compartment 5 allow the front panel 2 to move inwards as the collapsible receptacle 1 is being collapsed by the user. Similarly, the rear panel 3 is used to form the rear side of the collapsible receptacle 1 and prevents the contents of from falling out of the rear of the collapsible receptacle 1. The hinged connection between the lateral panel 6 and the second pleated section 9 for the left collapsible dual compartment 4 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the rear panel 3. In addition, the hinged connection between the lateral panel 6 and the second pleated section 9 for the right collapsible dual compartment 5 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the rear panel 3, opposite to the left collapsible dual compartment 4. The connections between the rear panel 3 and both the left collapsible dual compartment 4 and the right collapsible dual compartment 5 allow the rear panel 3 to move inwards as the collapsible receptacle 1 is being collapsed by the user.

The bottom foldable panel 13 is used to form the bottom side of the collapsible receptacle 1 and prevents the contents of from falling out of the bottom of the collapsible receptacle 1. The front panel 2 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the bottom panel, and the rear panel 3 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the bottom panel opposite to the front panel 2. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the connections amongst the front panel 2, the rear panel 3, and the bottom foldable panel 13 allow the front panel 2 and the rear panel 3 to move towards each other and the bottom foldable panel 13 to fold in half as the collapsible receptacle 1 is being collapsed by the user.

As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the left gusset 11 is used as an expansion piece that allows both the lateral panel 6 of the left collapsible dual compartment 4 and the bottom foldable panel 13 to simultaneously fold in half. Consequently, the left gusset 11 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the bottom panel in the between the front panel 2 and the rear panel 3. This positioning allows the left gusset 11, the front panel 2, the rear panel 3, and the bottom foldable panel 13 to be hingedly and perimetrically connected around the lateral panel 6 of the left collapsible dual compartment 4.

Likewise, the right gusset 12 is used as an expansion piece that allows both the lateral panel 6 of the right collapsible dual compartment 5 and the bottom foldable panel 13 to simultaneously fold in half. Consequently, the right gusset 12 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the bottom panel in the between the front panel 2 and the rear panel 3, opposite to the left gusset 11. This positioning allows the right gusset 12, the front panel 2, the rear panel 3, and the bottom foldable panel 13 to be hingedly and perimetrically connected around the lateral panel 6 of the right collapsible dual compartment 5.

The present invention further comprises a front handle 15 and a rear handle 16, which assist the user in carrying the present invention. The front handle 15 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the front panel 2, opposite to the bottom foldable panel 13, and the rear handle 16 is hingedly and adjacently connected to the rear panel 3, opposite to the bottom foldable panel 13, so that the user can easily grasp the present invention from the top. The front handle 15 and the rear handle 16 each comprise an outer sleeve 17 and a braided cord 18. The braided cord 18 is the internal structure of each handle. The braided cord 18 is encircled by the outer sleeve 17 so that the user can grasp the outer sleeve 17 instead of the tensioned braided cord 17.

The present invention further contains a waterproof lining 14 which is superimposed onto the inside surface of the collapsible receptacle 1. The waterproof lining 14 acts as a barrier which prevents spills from staining the bag or leaking through it. In the preferred embodiment, the waterproof lining 14 is made from plastic, but may also be a foil, hydrophobic spray coating, or any other suitable material. In the preferred embodiment, the collapsible receptacle 1 is made from a jute fabric; however, any other suitable material may be used.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag comprises: a collapsible receptacle; said collapsible receptacle comprises a left collapsible dual compartment and a right collapsible dual compartment; said left collapsible dual compartment and said right collapsible dual compartment each comprise a lateral panel, a first pleated section, a second pleated section, and a divider section; said left collapsible dual compartment and said right collapsible dual compartment being positioned opposite to each other across said collapsible receptacle; said first pleated section being hingedly and adjacently connected to said lateral panel; said second pleated section being hingedly and adjacently connected to said lateral panel, opposite to said first pleated section; said first pleated section being hingedly and adjacently connected to said second pleated section, opposite to said lateral panel; said divider section being hingedly and adjacently connected to said hinged connection between said first pleated section and said second pleated section; and a central fold of said lateral panel being hingedly and adjacently connected to said divider section, opposite to said hinged connection between said first pleated section and said second pleated section.
 2. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: wherein said lateral panel, said first pleated section, said second pleated section, and said divider section are in an expanded configuration; said first pleated section and said second pleated section being each in a right-angled configuration; said lateral panel being in a straight configuration; said divider section being positioned perpendicular to said lateral panel; and said divider section being positioned in between said first pleated section and said second pleated section.
 3. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: wherein said lateral panel, said first pleated section, said second pleated section, and said divider section are in a collapsed configuration; said lateral panel and said first pleated section being each in a straight configuration; said second pleated section being in a folded configuration; said first pleated section being positioned adjacent and parallel to the lateral section; said divider section being positioned in between said first pleated section and said lateral panel; and said second pleated section being positioned adjacent to said first pleated section, opposite to said lateral panel.
 4. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: said collapsible receptacle further comprises a front panel; said hinged connection between said lateral panel and said first pleated section for said left collapsible dual compartment being hingedly and adjacently connected to said front panel; and said hinged connection between said lateral panel and said first pleated section for said right collapsible dual compartment being hingedly and adjacently connected to said front panel, opposite to said left collapsible dual compartment.
 5. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: said collapsible receptacle further comprises a rear panel; said hinged connection between said lateral panel and said second pleated section for said left collapsible dual compartment being hingedly and adjacently connected to said rear panel; and said hinged connection between said lateral panel and said second pleated section for said right collapsible dual compartment being hingedly and adjacently connected to said rear panel, opposite to said left collapsible dual compartment.
 6. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: said collapsible receptacle further comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and a bottom foldable panel; said front panel being hingedly and adjacently connected to said bottom panel; and said rear panel being hingedly and adjacently connected to the bottom panel, opposite to the front panel.
 7. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: said collapsible receptacle further comprises a front panel, a rear panel, a left gusset, a right gusset, and a bottom foldable panel; said left gusset being hingedly and adjacently connected to said bottom foldable panel in between said front panel and said rear panel; said left gusset, said front panel, said rear panel, and said bottom foldable panel being hingedly and perimetrically connected around said lateral panel of said left collapsible dual compartment; said right gusset being hingedly and adjacently connected to said bottom foldable panel, opposite to the left gusset; and said right gusset, said front panel, said rear panel, and said bottom foldable panel being hingedly and perimetrically connected around said lateral panel of said left collapsible dual compartment.
 8. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a front handle; a rear handle; said collapsible receptacle further comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and a bottom foldable panel; the front handle being hingedly and adjacently connected to said front panel, opposite to said bottom foldable panel; and the rear handle being hingedly and adjacently connected to the rear panel, opposite to said bottom foldable panel.
 9. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 8 comprises: said front handle and said rear handle each comprise a braided cord and an outer sleeve; and said braided cord being encircled by the outer sleeve.
 10. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a waterproof lining; and said waterproof lining being internally superimposed onto said receptacle.
 11. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collapsible receptacle is made of a jute fabric.
 12. A collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag comprises: a collapsible receptacle; said collapsible receptacle comprises a left collapsible dual compartment and a right collapsible dual compartment, a front panel, and a rear panel; said left collapsible dual compartment and said right collapsible dual compartment each comprise a lateral panel, a first pleated section, a second pleated section, and a divider section; said left collapsible dual compartment and said right collapsible dual compartment being positioned opposite to each other across said collapsible receptacle; said first pleated section being hingedly and adjacently connected to said lateral panel; said second pleated section being hingedly and adjacently connected to said lateral panel, opposite to said first pleated section; said first pleated section being hingedly and adjacently connected to said second pleated section, opposite to said lateral panel; said divider section being hingedly and adjacently connected to said hinged connection between said first pleated section and said second pleated section; a central fold of said lateral panel being hingedly and adjacently connected to said divider section, opposite to said hinged connection between said first pleated section and said second pleated section; said hinged connection between said lateral panel and said first pleated section for said left collapsible dual compartment being hingedly and adjacently connected to said front panel; said hinged connection between said lateral panel and said first pleated section for said right collapsible dual compartment being hingedly and adjacently connected to said front panel, opposite to said left collapsible dual compartment; said hinged connection between said lateral panel and said second pleated section for said left collapsible dual compartment being hingedly and adjacently connected to said rear panel; and said hinged connection between said lateral panel and said second pleated section for said right collapsible dual compartment being hingedly and adjacently connected to said rear panel, opposite to said left collapsible dual compartment.
 13. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: wherein said lateral panel, said first pleated section, said second pleated section, and said divider section are in an expanded configuration; said first pleated section and said second pleated section being each in a right-angled configuration; said lateral panel being in a straight configuration; said divider section being positioned perpendicular to said lateral panel; and said divider section being positioned in between said first pleated section and said second pleated section.
 14. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: wherein said lateral panel, said first pleated section, said second pleated section, and said divider section are in a collapsed configuration; said lateral panel and said first pleated section being each in a straight configuration; said second pleated section being in a folded configuration; said first pleated section being positioned adjacent and parallel to the lateral section; said divider section being positioned in between said first pleated section and said lateral panel; and said second pleated section being positioned adjacent to said first pleated section, opposite to said lateral panel.
 15. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: said collapsible receptacle further comprises a left gusset, a right gusset, and a bottom foldable panel; said front panel being hingedly and adjacently connected to said bottom panel; said rear panel being hingedly and adjacently connected to the bottom panel, opposite to the front panel; said left gusset being hingedly and adjacently connected to said bottom foldable panel in between said front panel and said rear panel; said left gusset, said front panel, said rear panel, and said bottom foldable panel being hingedly and perimetrically connected around said lateral panel of said left collapsible dual compartment; said right gusset being hingedly and adjacently connected to said bottom foldable panel, opposite to the left gusset; and said right gusset, said front panel, said rear panel, and said bottom foldable panel being hingedly and perimetrically connected around said lateral panel of said left collapsible dual compartment.
 16. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a front handle; a rear handle; said collapsible receptacle further comprises a bottom foldable panel; said front handle and said rear handle each comprise a braided cord and an outer sleeve; the front handle being hingedly and adjacently connected to said front panel, opposite to said bottom foldable panel; the rear handle being hingedly and adjacently connected to the rear panel, opposite to said bottom foldable panel; and said braided cord being encircled by the outer sleeve.
 17. The collapsible and selectively compartmentalized bag as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a waterproof lining; said waterproof lining being internally superimposed onto said receptacle; and said collapsible receptacle being made of a jute fabric. 